MPUMALANGA – Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads, and Transport Thulasizwe Thomo has issued a stern warning to scholar transport operators, urging them to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations.
Schools in the province opened on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, for the new academic year.
Thomo’s call prioritises the safety and well-being of learners, emphasising that roadworthy vehicles are crucial for safeguarding children’s lives during their daily commute.
The MEC highlighted the importance of regular vehicle maintenance checks, focusing on critical components such as brakes and tyres. He urged transport operators to conduct thorough inspections and address any issues before the school year commences.
To enforce compliance, the department will deploy transport inspectors along various routes in the province to monitor scholar transport operations.
In August last year, six learners from Morelig Combined School in Wonderfontein tragically lost their lives when the bus they were in collided with a train. The bus had allegedly ignored a stop sign and attempted to cross the railway while a train was approaching.
“Safety of our learners must not be compromised. Parents rely on transport services to safely convey their children, and we urge operators to uphold their responsibilities to the highest standards,” stated MEC Thomo. “Failure to comply with safety regulations will not be tolerated, and appropriate action will be taken against those who do not prioritise safety.”
The MEC further emphasised that safety compromises would not be tolerated. “Operators who fail to prioritise safety will face consequences. This stance underscores the need for a collaborative effort between transport operators, parents, and the government to ensure children have a safe journey to school,” he added.
In a similar vein, other provinces have also raised concerns about scholar transport safety. In Gauteng, the Democratic Alliance has called for a review of the scholar transport policy to ensure learner safety.
Meanwhile, the Road Traffic Management Corporation has urged scholar transport operators to identify and rectify any mechanical or safety issues before the reopening of schools.
